Rusty is a lifelong entrepreneur. With an extensive background in building companies, he understands the variables involved in startups. In 2014, he founded KitchenTown to help food entrepreneurs ideate, create and grow their business in the smartest way possible. He advocates for founders, cultivates relationships, and fosters partnerships that strengthen and inspire innovation for the next generation of food startups. Feed him kale, croissants, or crickets. He’s game.

Sarah is a researcher, strategist, foresight practitioner and designer with almost a decade of experience working across the global food and agriculture industry. She formerly led the Food Futures Lab at Institute for the Future. She’s a dynamic facilitator and trusted advisor who loves supporting food changemakers to make sense of emerging trends and build more resilient, equitable, and humane food systems. You can also find her rock climbing, experimenting with new ways to cook vegetables, and doing elaborate craft projects.

Michelle Regan boasts an impressive track record with over two decades of expertise in the food industry. Prior to her tenure at KitchenTown, she dedicated over 13 years to Clif Bar, specializing in the energy bar sector. Michelle kickstarted her career at Mattson, where she honed her craft for 14 years, collaborating on diverse food applications for prominent CPG and food service entities. Holding a Food Science degree from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, Michelle is deeply rooted in her field. When she’s not pioneering in research and development, you’ll likely find her indulging her passions in the kitchen, crafting culinary delights, or traversing the picturesque trails of the East Bay on invigorating hikes.

Tom is a seasoned food industry professional with over ten years of experience in the manufacturing and operational sectors focusing on standards, practices, and equipment management. A PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual), an SQF Practitioner and a ServSafe Instructor and Proctor, Tom oversees the KitchenTown facility and operations. Tom’s diverse background includes a BS in Finance and later ran a USDA Cook Chill facility. An avid outdoor enthusiast and skateboarder, Tom also enjoys learning about science, macroeconomics and geopolitics.

Wataru Kobayashi brings over a decade of experience from Marubeni, a global trading and investment conglomerate based in Japan. At Marubeni, he spearheaded new business opportunities and forged capital partnerships with food startups across Japan, the US, and India. After leading the Marubeni-KitchenTown partnership, Wataru joined KitchenTown in the Bay Area to lead Business Development. Art, his chosen name in the US, is passionate about driving innovation in the food industry, and expanding KitchenTown’s impact through collaboration with both teammates and industry partners.

Albanie is a collaborator, creator, and maverick. She entered the food industry as a server and caterer, and has since done marketing, content creation, and research. She loves exploring new food trends and is passionate about designing a more sustainable and just food system. When she’s not working, you can find Albanie hiking, boxing, painting, or enjoying the hottest new plant-based meal in town.

Robyn DeFina brings 20 years of experience leading brand and marketing strategy for mission-driven food companies. She’s held leadership roles at beloved natural and organic brands including Annie’s, Stonyfield, Sweet Loren’s, and Once Upon a Farm—where she helped scale innovative products, launch national campaigns, and build deep emotional connections with consumers.

Now as Chief Marketing Officer at KitchenTown, Robyn partners with both emerging startups and global brands to develop winning go-to-market strategies and accelerate U.S. growth. She’s especially passionate about championing category-disruptive brands, driving food innovation, and using storytelling and design to spark meaningful change in the food system.

Lisa Quon brings 20 years of experience as a food scientist, helping brands develop innovative formulations and bring new product concepts to market. She’s held R&D roles at industry leaders including Clif Bar and Coca-Cola, with deep expertise across bakery and beverage applications.

At KitchenTown, Lisa partners with emerging and global brands to transform bold ideas into technically sound, consumer-ready products. She’s passionate about using science to unlock creativity—bridging the gap between innovation and commercialization with a focus on quality, functionality, and scalability.

Outside the kitchen, Lisa finds joy in collecting mid-century modern furniture, knitting, and making time for wellness and the outdoors.